The weather conditions brought out severe weather conditions to Abu Dhabi in a state of emergency precautions across the capital Abu Dhabi due to the extreme weather situation with thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall disrupted normal life in an otherwise sunny Abu Dhabi as thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain and flooding in a bad and humid environment forced residents to brace for imminent safety incidents led to authorities to issue strict safety notifications to the streets and drivers.
According to weather officials, the sudden change in weather was led by very weather instability that hit parts of the northern parts of the United Arab Emirates. Dark clouds, strong winds and intense lightning struck in many parts with videos circulating on the Internet revealing dramatic downpours and little to no visibility to people outside according to them.
The country’s National Center of Meteorology had warned of unstable weather earlier in the day, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and even hail in some parts of the country. The alert also noted that on the week more severe winds and sudden weather changes are likely in many places.
الامارات : الان برق ورعد و هطول أمطار الخير على العاصمة أبوظبي#أخبار_الإمارات #منخفض_العزم #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 23, 2026
23/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/9dA2Ydxzt6
The authorities in areas including police and municipal organizations immediately put out safety advice and residents must also be careful. Due to slippery roads, low visibility and waterlogging in low-lying areas, motorists are advised to drive less speed. With heavy rains onset, valleys and flood-prone areas can get flooded and residents are warned to stay away and get out quickly from such areas.
Emergency crews have been placed on standby and are prepared and officials are analyzing the situation very closely. In some places there were occasional road incidents due to rainwater raining down on roads and visibility became low.
Even when the weather is rainy in the UAE (especially during seasons) there is also risk of severe thunderstorms (with intense lightning and gusty winds) with flash flooding and flying bits of debris and bad driving conditions.
Local police have strongly advised residents to keep on track with official updates, minimise unnecessary travel and secure outdoor objects in case of strong winds, and keep a close watch on them. Risky behaviors such as driving through flooded roads and gathering near water channels and going to the beach and going to a public place that is also very high on people’s minds at home.
The unstable weather will persist throughout the day many to come and the meteorological departments will keep monitoring at least in part of the UAE and issuing timely alerts.
When the storm footage is already circulating online and people see video of the event, they remember these incidents and can have all the signs of sudden changes in the weather in the area needing preparation and care.
